Eikoh Hosoe
mentioned that, photography to him, is not merely about going out and take
photograph but it is an alternative to create something. He is not a
documentary kind of photographer but rather known for his experimental and
philosophical style of works. “Photography can be simultaneously both a record
and a mirror or window of self-expression…” said House.
Born 1933
in Yamagata, Hosoe graduated from Tokyo College of Photography in 1951. Hosoe’s
work often has characteristic of high contrast, graphical, black and white,
portraying mysterious atmosphere that is sensual but disturbing. Some of the
subjects that Hosoe has explored include death, erotic obsession and
irrationality.
One of the interesting
series of Hosoe’s works that I love is titled ‘Ordeal by Roses’ with Yukio Mishima as a model . Mishima is one of
the most important Japanese authors of the 20th century. He is also
a poet, actor and film director. Hosoe was commissioned to photograph Mishima
for the cover of his book and Mishima has offered himself as a ‘subject matter’
to Hosoe for photographing.
I like the
first photograph that Hosoe made on Mishima. In this photograph, Mishima was
wrappedentire body in a hose at his
garden. The reason Hosoe did so was for the purpose of destructing a myth. He
wanted to destroy the preconceived image of Mishima and create a new Mishima.
Ordeal by Roses
Ordeal by Roses
Another series by Hosoe was named ‘Kamaitachi’
that depicts the story of a supernatural being that haunted the Japanese
countryside of Hosoe’s childhood. These photographs are in
black and white, mysterious, dream-like, with the performance of Hijikata, the
founder of dance performance art called Butoh. In this series, Hijikata is seen
as a wandering ghost confronting farmers and children.
Kamaitachi
Kamaitachi
Kamaitachi
Kamaitachi
Hosoe is also known for his masterful studies in nudes and human body forms. The series 'Man and Woman' was released in 1960, depicting the rivalry between two genders. In 1971, he released another series called 'Embrace', capturing the dialogue between men and women.
Halsman was an American portrait photographer, started
from fashion magazines such as Vogue in his 24 and gained popularity for images
that were sharp focused and closed-up.
Halsman’s first success was realized when the cosmetic
firm Elizabeth Arden used his image of model Constance Ford in an advertising
campaign for “Victory Red” lipstick.
Constance Ford
Besides working on photographs for advertisement, Halsman’s
portraits of celebrities and politicians also often featured on the covers and
pages of popular magazines during his time, such as Look, Esquire, Paris Match,
especially Life.
One of the series of Halsman’s artworks that I love is
the series in collaboration with Surrealist artist, Salvador Dali. He has
incorporated elements of humourous, playful and imaginative. He mentioned that
photography could be dead serious or great fun, either capturing the elusive
truth or one’s imagination.
Dali 1941
Dali 1946
Dali 1948
Dali 1951
Dali 1954
Dali 1954
Dali 1964
Dali 1970
One of the stunning photographs, Dali Atomicus, was
produced after 28 attempts. I think Halsman actually enjoyed collaborating with Dali, as we could see that they had been working together for 37 years. This is what I think about photography, it is a
game that we can play with. Treat it as a game, and you will enjoy the process.
Furthermore, we could include any unusual idea in the frames or make anyone as
a hero in the portraits.
Shen Wei, a Shanghai born fine art photographer, who
is currently based in New York City, known for his intimate portraits of
himself and others. His photography work has also covered some exploration of
contemporary China. His name was first introduced to me by my course lecturer
cum fine art photographer, Ms. Ho.
Nudity in photography is not new. It has been the
source of inspirations since the first day of photography being introduced.
However, the publication and exhibition of these photographs may still be
controversial. I am open to nude photography as I see it as an idea to depict
some kind of freedom in mind in a visual aspect. Varied angles, poses and
action could define different emotion and stories.
Almost Naked – One of Wei’s photography series, consists of
portraits exploring identity and sexuality in America. It was motivated by his
passion to understand the complexity of emotion, desire, introspection and
instinct. In this series, he sought to explore the relation between nudity in
mind and physical nudity. In my opinion, some people tend to feel more relaxed
and comfortable without wearing any clothes. The emotion flows naturally when
people are relaxed.
James, 2007
Hyramd, 2005
Collin and Erica, 2007
Wei has another self-portrait project – I Miss You Already, capturing the
process of self-reflection and self-discovery. These photographs include his
introspection, rebellion, memory, fantasy, anxiety, seduction and emptiness. I
like the way he put himself into the frames as a journey to understand and
discover his inner self.
_09633u.jpg)
